Ken-kesey Quote by Tom Wolfe
““None of us are going to deny what other people are doing. If saying bullshit is somebody's thing, then he says bullshit. If somebody is an ass-kicker, then that's what he's going to do on this trip, kick asses. He's going to do it right out front and nobody is going to have anything to get pissed off about. He can just say, 'I'm sorry I kicked you in the ass, but I'm not sorry I'm an ass-kicker. That's what I do, I kick people in the ass.' Everybody is going to be what they are, and whatever they are, there's not going to be anything to apologize about. What we are, we're going to wail with on this whole trip.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: Rolling Stone, 1975
People should embrace their true nature, even if abrasive, without apologizing for inherent traits.
In simple terms: Be authentic, even if harsh.
Key Takeaway
Own your identity.
Themes
authenticity
individualism
rebellion
acceptance
humor
Mood
candid
provocative
Type
philosophical
satirical
When to use this quote
- creative collaboration
- team dynamics
- personal branding
- conflict resolution
- performance art
Key Concepts
Existentialism
Social critique
Self‑acceptance
Questions to Reflect On
- When does authenticity become harmful?
- Can boldness coexist with empathy?
A Different Perspective
Harshness can damage relationships; authenticity must balance respect.
![“I realized Jack [Kerouac] was deeply committed to writing. Kesey was just as deeply committed to living and experiencing the lives of others; for him writing was just a part of living.” quote by Sterling Lord](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f1a/sterling-lord-55520_art-of-living_i-realized-jack-kerouac-was-deeply-commi_11675.jpg)
